Broom-moistener.



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WILLIAM HARDIN, JR., OF VEST LIBERTY, IOVA.

BROOM-MOISTENER.

kSPECIIIEICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 632,263, dated September 5, 1899.

Application filed March 1 3 1 89 9 To all whom, t wbcty concern:

Beit known that LVVILLIAM HARDIN, Jr., a citizen of the United States, residing at West Liberty, in the county of Muscatine and State of Iowa, have invented a new and useful Broom-Moistener, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to broom-dampeners, and has for its object to utilize the handle of the broom as a reservoir to contain the liquid which is to be supplied to the broom-head and to provide a distributer inclosedwithin the broom-head and provided with means for automatically regulating the discharge of the liquid from the distributer to the broomhead as the liquid is required in the sweeping operation.

To these ends the present invention consists in the combination and arrangement of parts, as will be hereinafter more fully described, shown in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is an elevation of a broom having the dampener applied thereto, the broom-head being broken away to show the position of the distributer. Fig. 2 is a vertical transverse sectional view thereof. Fig. 3 is a detail perspective View of the distributer.

Corresponding parts are designated by like reference characters in all the iigures of the drawings.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, l designates a broom-head constructed in the usual or common manner and provided with a hollow handle 2, having an open upper end which is provided with a screw closureicap 3. This hollow handle is adapted to contain the moistening liquid, preferable common keroeene-oil, and is provided near its lower end, just above the broom-head, with a valve 4, whereby the supply of oil may be regulated and shut off entirely, as desired.

The distributer is shown in detail in Fig. 3, and comprises a receptacle 5, of suitable length and triangular-shaped in cross-section, having discharge openings or perforations 6 provided throughout the apex or edge formed by the two lower sides thereof. EX-

tending upward from the flat top falce 7 ,which is opposite the perforated apex of the recep- Serial No. 708.866. (No model.)

thereto by means of wire-looped fastenings l0 passing through the material and embracing the receptacle. The latter is practically embedded in the sponge, so that the liquid is fed from the receptacle 5 to the sponge, vfrom which it is distributed more evenly and over a greater surface than if discharged directly from the receptacle to the broom-head. It will loe noted that the sponge is located at the point where the broom-head bends under the sweeping action, and as the broom is bent the sponge is compressed and the liquid is fed to the broom as required. Thus the distribution of the liquid is automatically regulated and supplied to the broom as it is needed. When the broom is not in use, the sponge absorbs the liquid as it flows out of the receptacle, and thus prevents loss of the liquid, as would result if the latter owed freely from the receptacle to the broom-head. By having the receptacle triangular in cross-section and locating the perforations in the lower vertex or edge thereof a perfect drain is had and all of the liquid will be fed from the device.

It is preferable to locate the distributer within the body of the broom-head, as it is thereby protected against being struck against articles of furniture, Src., when the broom is being used, and the liquid is distributed more effectually and evenly to all parts of the broom-head, and, further, the bending of the broom-head is utilized to automatically regulate the distribution of the liquid from the receptacle containing the same.

The present invention is particularly designed for use in sweeping uncovered or bare floors, and it is preferable to use kerosene-oil, as it is the best liquid to lay or prevent the dust from arising.

IOO

Changes in the form, proportion, size, and the minor details of construction Within the scope of the appended claims may be resorted to Without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is- 1. In a broom-dampener, the combination with a broom-head, of a receptacle located within the broom-head and adapted to contain and discharge a liquid, and an absorbent material adapted to receive the liquid discharged from the receptacle, and also confined and embraced by the material of the broomhead, whereby the bending of the broom-head is adapted to compress the. absorbent material and thereby automatically distribute the liquid to the broom-head, substantially as shown and described.

2. In a broom-dampener, the combination with a broom-head, of a receptacle located Within the broom-head and of triangular shape in cross-section, the lower edge or apex of the receptacle being provided with dis charge-openings, and an absorbent material embracing the perforated odge or apex of the receptacle and engaged by the material of the broom-head, whereby the bending of the latter is adapted to compress the absorbent material and thereby automatically supply the liquid to the broom -head, substantially as shown and described. Y

3. In a broom-dampener, the combination With a broom-head, having a hollow tubular handle adapted to contain a liquid and provided with a closure-cap and a controllingvalve, of a distributer located Within the broom-head, comprising a receptacle having a pipe or tube forming a passage communieating from the handle to the receptacle, and provided With discharge openings, and a sponge or suitable absorbent material connected to the receptacle adjacent to the discharge-openings therein, substantially as and for the purpose set forth. l

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM IIARDIN, Jn.

\Vitnesses:

THEO JONES, J. E. McINTosH. 

